The Enchanted Forest show is hoping to break box office records after launching before a VIP audience. Picture: Toby Williams

FRANK URQUHART

The Enchanted Forest, Scotland’s largest outdoor light and sound show, launched its new season tonight before a VIP audience at the Forestry Commission Scotland’s Faskally Wood near Pitlochry.

The twelfth annual staging of the flagship Autumn event is already on course to smash all previous box office records, with organisers reporting that advance ticket sales are up by over 50 per cent on last year.

This year’s show - “Absorb” - has been designed by a creative team led by Derek Allan including Scottish lighting designers Kate Bonney and Simon Hayes, and features music by RJ McConnell, including a specially commissioned orchestral piece in collaboration with composer Jon Beales.

Derek Allan, producer of The Enchanted Forest 2013, said: “We have worked especially hard this year to ensure we deliver a show that is both creative and visually stunning. Every year the remarkable natural woodland of Faskally Wood provides our canvas and inspiration and we really hope our audience members enjoy their visit.”

He continued: “Thanks to funding from Event Scotland we have been able to extend the reach of the show this year into new markets and I am certain that new visitors to the event from the North East of England, as well as from closer to home, will find the experience both breath-taking and unique.”

Pete Wishart, the SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire, formally opened the new show. He said: “This is undoubtedly one of Scotland’s finest cultural events which just continues to go from strength to strength. Last year it attracted over 30,000 visitors to Highland Perthshire, an essential boost for the local economy, but it also showcases the natural beauty of Scotland right across the globe.

“The Enchanted Forest is a must see event for any visitor to Scotland in the Autumn.”

The event, which is run by social enterprise company the Highland Perthshire Community Interest Company, runs until 27 October.